Pittman’s Pocket: Top 10 HBCU 2025 NFL Draft Prospects

There have been numerous draft reports regarding the top HBCU NFL prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Here are my top 10 picks:

10. Kenny Gallop Jr. – Safety, Howard
Height: 6’0″, Weight: 214 lbs
A reliable tackler in the open field with consistent performance.

9. TreQuan Thomas – OLB/DE, Alabama State
Height: 6’1″, Weight: 235 lbs
A true diamond in the rough with immense potential.

8. Kolby Merritt – Safety, Fayetteville State
Height: 6’1″, Weight: 205 lbs
40-yard dash: 4.47 seconds. A standout with great speed and athleticism.

7. Elijah Williams – Defensive Tackle, Morgan State
Height: 6’3″, Weight: 280 lbs
Can excel as an effective 3-technique player at the next level.

6. James Burgess Jr. – Defensive Back, Alabama State
Height: 6’3″, Weight: 186 lbs
Strong performances in the Hula Bowl, Legacy Bowl, and Pro Day showcase his skills.

5. Irv Mulligan – Running Back, Jackson State
Height: 5’10”, Weight: 215 lbs
40-yard dash: Low 4.5 seconds. Showed explosiveness at the Legacy Bowl and a solid Pro Day.

4. Robert McDaniel – Defensive Back, Jackson State
Height: 6’2″, Weight: 215 lbs
Dominated his Pro Day with a low 4.5 time. Attracted attention from both the Saints and Cardinals.

3. Kendall Bohler – Defensive Back, FAMU
Height: 5’11”, Weight: 190 lbs
40-yard dash: 4.4 seconds. Strong performances against FBS and FCS talent at both the Hula and Legacy Bowls. Gaining interest from the Bucs and Jets.

2. Aaron “Boog” Smith – Linebacker, South Carolina State
Height: 6’2″, Weight: 230 lbs
Impressed scouts with a 4.58 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, a significant improvement from his previous 4.69.

1. Carson Vinson – Offensive Lineman, Alabama A&M
Height: 6’7″, Weight: 315 lbs
The best HBCU prospect overall. Excelled at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, showcasing elite skills at the next level.